Shortly after Red left, Liz and Silas retreated to the Great room to play cards when the doorbell rang.
Frowning, Silas pulled the comm from his waist, keying the mic. "Who's at the door?"
"Ben," Joe responded immediately. "We told him to just go on in."
"Then tell him again." Silas waved the woman to sit for she had stood expectantly, her face hopeful for any news on Red's front. "We're in the back."
"Why didn't you put the intercom on the damn door?" Joe sighed as he trudged across the front drive.
"I was in charge of installing the biometric system," Silas reminded, "and your job was... what exactly?"
"Oh... right." Joe replied glumly.
Liz smiled as her guards bitched at one another. "At least he knocks."
"That's your fault Francis doesn't knock." Silas shifted in his seat.
Liz threw her hands out, her mouth falling open.
"You gave him a key." he too narrowed his eyes at the woman.
That was one tiny mistake they'd never let her forget, she sighed wearily.
"Hey!" Ben called out.
"We're back here!" Liz replied.
"Red here?" Ben asked as he stepped through the archway.
"No, but he should be back shortly," Liz gestured the man in, "but he better call first." she grumbled, glancing once again at her watch as she had now every five minutes since the guy left.
Ben frowned at Silas, asking for a reason for Liz's surliness.
"Long story." Silas shook his head.
"You want a drink or something?" Liz offered, willing to make it, clearly.
"I'll get it." Ben waved her to sit back down. "He's with Francis? Couldn't find him either."
"Yeah, they went to the Brownstone." she said. "You didn't call?"
"No, when Francis wasn't at home," Ben perched his ass on a nearby stool, "I figured he was here."
Liz smiled warmly, glad Francis felt so welcome here.
"While we're waiting..." she grinned mischievously, "why don't you tell me about the girlfriends you had that were on opposite coasts. I didn't get to hear the end of the story."
Ben sent Silas a disgruntled look.
"Wasn't me." the guard shrugged.
"Was too." Liz quipped. "...Well, and Francis." she wrinkled her nose at Ben. "But that shouldn't surprise you."
Ben shrugged nonchalantly, "What did they leave out?"
Dembe stepped aside, allowing Red to enter the Brownstone, nodding a greeting to Francis' security as they went.
"I thought you were going to take this damn thing out." Red grumbled, referring to the false wall.
"I was going to," Francis said, "but the contractor noticed there was dead space back there, so we made a big ass walk-in closet."
Red shrugged halfheartedly. The boy did have a shitload of coats, so why not?
"You know, we could just rig a shotgun to go off when Stalker boy opens the door." Francis suggested. "That would solve all your problems."
Now, that was an idea. One that made Red chuckle. "I would love to literally blow him away, but I have questions I need him to answer. So, that'll have to wait... for now."
Stepping into the half-lit space, Red's eyes widened at what instantly stared him in the face.
Pictures of her... Elizabeth, at various parts of the day. Sitting at her desk, working. While sleeping alone... possibly when he had ventured to London?
The photos were shot through the top portion of the blinds in their master bedroom. The bastard had obviously used night vison, because that wasn't creepy at all.
Shifting his eyes to the next picture in line, a rage boiled inside. There was Lizzy, throwing the covers back, removing her top and bottoms, curling on the bed in all her resplendent glory.
This didn't just piss him off, this left him beyond livid.
"What now?" Francis asked, stepping into the dimly lit area, his eyes lifting to the photos.
Red seethed, blocking his vision suddenly.
Immediately averting his eyes, Francis sighed wearily. "Nudes?"
"...Yes." Red hit the end of the photos, his eyes landing on a sheet of paper.
"Like hell," he hissed angrily, ripping the note from its perch.
I will get her away from you. And when I do, I will take great pleasure in killing you. Her suffering will end with your death.
"Or your death..." Red mumbled all too quietly an oath he meant to keep.
"What?" Francis asked, not having heard the cryptic remark.
Red handed him the sheet, pulling the pictures down with jerky, angry motions.
"We just need to end this psychotic bastard, Red." Francis shook the letter in hand. "No one flaunts shit like this in your face."
Something was nagging at Red's subconscious. He was missing something vital.
Slipping his phone free, Red absently dialed Lizzy, knowing Silas would be within reach. Bending over a low table, he jotted down a quick note, then tacked it back into its former resting place.
"What did you say?" Francis asked, a fixed scowl on the boyishly handsome features.
Red did not reply, simply grasp the photos in hand, pushing from the small alcove.
Francis read the reply aloud, "...Come and get me."
Pumping his fist with excitement, a triumphant grunt escaping him. Francis so enjoyed Red Reddington when the man was at his best!
"Let's go." Red called back, an urgency in his tone.
Dembe fell instep, Francis in tow.
Liz waited anxiously for the news Red would impart. It seemed like forever since he left the house.
The man in question was still on the premises of her old house, stalking across the hard pavement towards the car, his eyes just as cold and empty conveying another type of 'hardness'.
When the screen of her phone lit, she answered it before the phone could ring.
"What did you find?" she asked straight away.
"Pictures of you...us," Red muttered tightly, as he fell into the back seat, "...in our bedroom."
Upon his return home after his most recent trip, he had felt... unsettled and vividly remembered a sudden urge to close the blinds.
Now he knew why. He was glad he listened to his gut for he and Lizzy made love that night and were quite bare to one another... and apparently anyone who may be looking in.
Dembe sensed the tension in Raymond's voice, pulling away from the curb, his action transmitting his determination.
Liz gasped her shock, a sickening feeling settling in her gut. Grim visions flashed in her mind.
"Most happened when you were alone... and our most recent return home." he let the implication set in.
"We..." she hesitated, obviously because of their an audience, "made love that night." she whispered.
"I closed the blinds." he reminded. "I..." he sighed heavily, "I felt something was off."
Just like now. He felt it in his gut, he needed to be there with her. He knew it. This had been a ruse but... for what purpose?
Liz opened her mouth to berate the man for not confiding in her, but really, to what outcome? What could she have done to lessen his burden.
"Put Silas on." Red gripped the roof of the car as Dembe slid around a corner, barely letting off the gas before speeding the powerful car ahead once again as they barreled towards their destination.
"Ben's here too." Liz warned, before switching to speakerphone.
"What do you have?" Silas leaned comfortably against the bar, listening.
"I want someone at the house adjacent to our bedroom," Red fumed, "now!"
"What the hell is going on?" Silas questioned.
Red explained what he found, and the trajectory used to take the photos.
"Someone lives there, it's occupied." Liz had seen the home owners a few times coming and going from their exclusive driveway.
"Actually, it's not." Silas was issuing orders right and left over his walkie. "The guy is in Honduras, Red. Took his wife there for their anniversary."
Red's tone allowed his irritation, "Run the damned thing, Dembe." he motioned to an upcoming red light.
"A problem?" Silas' brows rose slowly.
"...A feeling." Red's tone was tight. "He also left a little note, telling me he was going to take Lizzy from me."
"Like hell." Liz scowled harshly. "I'm not going anywhere!"
Silas waited patiently for his men to do their assigned task.
"This guy does understand you're not playing hard to get but... impossible to get, right?" Ben asked. "What the hell does he want, damn?"
Red knew what the son-of-a-bitch wanted... his Lizzy.
"Is it Tom?" she had a good mind to march out front and–
"I don't know." Red admitted grimly.
The answer surprised Liz, assuming the question had been a rhetorical one. "Well, who else could it be?"
That was the problem. One Red was very familiar with. It could be any number of people. Tom. The Cabal. Carver playing a sick game to rile them up.
"There's the rub," Silas smirked, "the way you attract psychopaths...it could be a shitload of people, couldn't it?"
Red chuckled despite himself. With Lizzy's profession and her penchant for attracting dubious suitors... it really could be anyone.
"Red?" Liz looked at the phone in her hand. "Remind me why I don't fire him."
The house suddenly fell into a pitch blackness. All power shut down...
"What the..." Liz gasped lightly, trying to adjust her vision.
"What?" Red sat up in his seat, alert.
"We have a breach..." Silas' controlled, bitter tone advised all of their present situation.
Liz felt his hand grasp her elbow, instantly dragging her to follow his lead. She did not resist.
David's voice crackled the com-link as he took control of their ground forces inside the complex.
The sound of rapid bursts of air snapped over the same device.
Mapping out the rooms in her mind, Liz quickly moved about furniture in the darkened interior of the house, trying to keep up with her guard's sure steps.
The air bursts sounded eerily familiar, like when the guys shot paint balls at each other in their sometimes daily, 'war games' only... this impact was much more powerful.
Voices filled the radio with subdued chatter of coordinates and critical updates as to the enemies locations.
Silas navigated the hall cautiously, his charge in tow.
"They're inside the perimeter, Red." Silas advised. "We are holding back their offense."
"Back-up generator must have been blown." Ben's voice behind them reassured Elizabeth somehow.
Red clenched the phone in his hand, his fingers almost snapping the plastic casing. "Do not deviate from Silas' lead, Elizabeth."
Nodding her understanding, Liz pulled up short when Silas' arm blocked any advancement.
Liz watched intermittent flashes of subdued red laser lights flit crazily across the lawn and shrubbery outside the living room French doors.
My God... how many were out there? How many were friendlies? How many were not?
"Update!" Red demanded when Silas hadn't given the needed Intel in a timely manner... or at least to Red's way of thinking.
"Converging on all sides." Silas stepped back, his body blocking the woman's. "Count unknown... but we can take a head count later." his tone darkened. "ETA?"
"Not fucking soon enough!" Red cursed himself for falling for the ploy.
He had been set-up and like an idiot, fell for the bait because a threat to Elizabeth had reared its ugly head. And now look...
"With your life, Silas." the whispered request was somehow more.
"You're awfully free with his life." Liz snapped right back.
"Copy, Red." Silas had actually chuckled to her amazement, his head turned to her in the next instant. "Stay on my six."
"If you mean, 'watch your ass'," she was beyond frustrated, "then give me a fucking weapon!"
Shadowy figures passed by the windows facing the gardens. The woman's body tensed.
"So you can shoot our guys?" Silas found the thought amusing, obviously. "How would you tell the difference?"
"How do you?" Liz demanded in a harsh whisper.
She flushed when the man tapped the radio at his waist. Men were spitting out their location via short code the guys devised.
Silas held his fingers to his lips.
Liz fell silent, watching a lone beam of light skitter across the floor, moving closer to their position. Its fanciful flight stopped instantly, clicking off.
Dead silence ensued.
Silas pulled Liz closer, tucking her behind his bulk.
"...Nora, that had better be you." Silas had no choice but to take the chance.
The light snapped to a dim setting, "Thank the Lord..." the older woman's sigh of relief was audible as she hurried forward, keeping crouched low. "I didn't think I'd find you!"
"Nora!" Liz embraced the woman tightly. "How did you manage–"
"I listened in on the drills." Nora whispered. "Come with me, hon."
"...Ben," Silas called the man from his position, "I'll hold here. You get them to–"
"Like hell!" Liz took umbrage. "I'm not letting these bastards run me out of my home! I'd rather die first!"
"Not gonna happen." Silas advised.
"Dammit, Elizabeth!" Red snapped. "Do as Silas says!"
"What you will do..." Silas regained Liz's attention, "is get Nora to safety... right?"
Nora offered a calming smile, "I've got a lot of life in me." she grinned. "Though, this is an adventure I would like to live through, okay?"
Liz thought both her friends were playing her but, she knew Nora was an innocent in this farce. If anything happened to her...
"Ladies, if you please..." Ben waved a gracious hand, "I'm your guide for this evening's journey." he urgently ushered them when the lights outside grew closer, "Now, let's move our respective asses."
Liz reluctantly allowed the man to guide them along. She stayed protectively close to Nora with only one hesitant glance at her guard.
"...You," she swallowed hard, "don't be stupid." she felt tears threatening. "I'm not paying you to get your ass shot."
"You don't pay me at all." Silas glanced meaningfully at the phone in her hand.
Liz tightened her lips angrily, "I hope you do get your ass kicked..." she muttered petulantly.
"No, you don't." came the infuriating response.
Ben had them far down the interior of the next few rooms, hastily easing the two women farther away from the activities taking place outside the still dark house.
Silas waited patiently, mentally timing the distance Liz must have traveled, each second giving a better chance of survival.
He felt better now. He was in his element.
The French doors on both East and West sides of the spacious living area burst apart.
Silas eased back into the darkness surrounding him. He watched the dark shapes hastily regroup; their advancement both measured and intent.
He kept them in his line of sight as the systematic search continued.
These men were... professionals.
And it didn't take a genius to know they were searching for something in particular... or someone. He made an educated guess as to whom that someone might be.
Silas sighed mentally. Why was he not surprised.
His body tensed as the shadows came closer.
Liz recognized her position, joy screaming through her veins.
The old Grandfather clock ticked slowly away to her left. That meant the hall table was just up ahead, to her right.
Jerking the middle drawer open, Liz frantically searching about inside. Her fingers curved about the cool, rough surface. The traction of the grip felt comfortable and secure in her sweaty palm.
She pulled it free just as Ben came alongside, nudging her forward.
Liz didn't know which she gripped tighter, the phone in her left hand or the gun in her right. She was just grateful for both at this stage.
"I can't hold this and my gun." she whispered to Red.
"Don't you dare hang up." Red warned.
Automatically, she slipped the phone into her back pocket by second nature, reaffirming her hold on the weapon. Liz wasn't exactly sure where they were going but Nora seemed well-versed, a definite direction in her mind.
Ben held them up with a lift of his hand. An especially dark side door loomed ahead, the man eased about the women, taking the lead.
Checking her weapon, Liz clapped the magazine back in place, her vision focused and intent.
Out of nowhere, a figure came hurling out of that darkness, taking Ben in the momentum with a direct hit to the waist.
Both men took a header to the floor, a scuffle ensuing. It was odd, there was hardly any sound.
Nora flashed her light on the struggle at one point and that beam fell on a more than familiar face.
"You son-of-a-bitch!" Liz growled, her hand tightening purposefully on the weapon, pointing at the two combatants.
Liz's finger tightened systematically on the trigger. She was suddenly livid. Beyond livid.
Nora held the light as best she could, having recognized the assailant as well.
"Nora go... please!" Elizabeth pleaded. "I'll catch up. I promi–"
"Shoot the bastard!" the older woman hissed.
With a swift upward thrust of his knee, Tom left Ben dazed with a blunt hit to his head.
Provided an opening, Tom was up and moving with remarkable hit Liz's arm aside, but she held firm to her grip.
Thrown back by the momentum, Liz caught her fall on the neighboring wall. She righted herself instantly.
Ben tackled Tom from behind, growling a menacing, "You're not getting her!"
Nora grasped Liz's hand pulling hard, "Now, Elizabeth, quickly!"
Elizabeth hesitated… torn between staying or getting Nora to safety.
Nora's muffled outcry of pain jolted Liz from her thoughts. She glanced up just in time to see the older woman fall into a door frame after being pushed roughly aside.
Stopped from her motion towards the woman, Liz growled angrily as a strong embrace encompassed her body. The action fueled Elizabeth's rage all the more.
Her assailant caught the neck of her shirt, dragging her back toward him.
Liz's hand clenched the now warmed metal securely. She jerked upward, catching the man's chin with the firearm. The guy grunted sharply with the impact, staggering from the blow but was instantly back to his intended target.
"You little bitch!" he snarled, backhanding Liz soundly across the face.
In her peripheral vision, Liz caught Nora struggling to her feet. She blinked at the biting sting of tears as a hand grasped a fist full of her hair, lifting her bodily.
Screaming out all her anger and frustration, Liz twisted agilely, jamming the barrel of her gun up against her captor's gut.
She pulled the trigger, no hesitation what-so-ever in her actions or mind. The man jerked with the impact, crumbling to her feet.
She took immense pleasure for a brief second until she realized Tom and Ben still struggled across the way.
Her brain couldn't assimilate all taking place for a beat.
She searched about for Nora, finally locating the woman who stood against the wall down the way. Liz stumbled over the lifeless form beneath her feet, headed for Nora's direction.
Her hand felt the distinctive ribbed design of an unmistakable object. She extracted the fixed blade from its sheath. The razor sharp hiss of stainless steel raking against the magazine clip on his utility belt.
She yelped as yet another pair of arms grasped her waist, "I'm getting sick of this shit!" she warned any and all.
"I'm trying to help you, dammit!" Tom's voice was all to sickly close in her ear as he held tightly to her. "You have to come with–"
"When hell fucking freezes over!" she kicked out viciously, her heel ramming sharply into his kneecap, her elbow jabbing painfully into his chest.
He stumbled back, catching her arm as he went. She lunged with the movement using the momentum, the knife slicing a good, satisfying gouge the entire length of the man's arm.
Tom slapped out, catching her face soundly.
She staggered back, losing her bearings. She shook her head, desperately trying to clear her vision.
In her disorientation, Tom pulled her up and against him, rushing for an exit.
The next thing she knew, a bullet tore through Tom's arm, forcing him to loosen his grip, dropping her unceremoniously to the ground.
Liz jerked her head up, watching Silas try to gain on their position, firearm in hand.
Tom doubled over briefly but all too soon, weakly reaffirming his hold. "Give me a chance to.." he gritted between clenched teeth, blood smearing her forearm.
Liz dug her fingers about a convenient door facing, holding to it for dear life.
"If you'll only let me–"
Nora stepped, seeing her opening. She hoisted the large urn overhead, bringing it down sharply.
Tom buckled as the shards crashed to the floor.
"Come!" Nora grasp Liz's hand as both women took off at a dead run in the opposite direction.
Ben followed their trek, fighting off yet another masked individual which is how Tom escaped his hold the first time.
How many of these pricks did that asshole bring?
Silas ducked, moving with remarkable agility and speed as bullets pinged about his bulk from every direction, dusting him with a mist of glass and wall dust.
He covered the distance in record time, stepping into view just as the women passed.
Blocking a mercenary's attempt to grab for Elizabeth, Silas placed the muzzle against the man's head, pulling the trigger.
He knelt, yanking the man's earpiece free, jamming it into his own ear.
"On your six!" Ben yelled out a warning, approaching at a dead run.
Silas arose, "They're sending in the last wave." he apprised.
Ben took a few seconds to catch his breath. "Oh, goodie..." he leaned into his knees, easing his ragged breath. "What fun!"
"You know you enjoy this shit." Silas smirked.
Just at that moment, two men stepped leisurely from opposite sides of the hall.
Silas pushed Elizabeth towards Nora, sending the women stumbling in the direction of an exit route.
Elizabeth didn't need signs painted to tell her it was time to vacate... yet again.
How much longer was this going to last? And just who the hell were these people?!
She and Nora reached a set of stairs. Liz glanced back.
Silas and Ben were actually in hand-to-hand combat with the other men who had ascended upon them. What happened to their weapons?
She had a weapon!
"No!" Nora's tone was sharp. "Follow me!"
Everything seemed to move in slow motion as Liz took in the unfolding chaos around her.
Much like Ben, Silas threw a series of hard, rapid punches to his enemy's face. The brutality of the blows sent the man falling against the bay window.
The sickening crash of his body falling through bit at Elizabeth's nerves just as another man came in from behind.
Before she could even warn her guard, Silas spun, throwing out his arm to block the attempted attack.
It startled her to see the viciousness displayed. Silas fought, no-holds-barred. Catching an intended blow, he kicked out, catching the foe's knee.
Liz winced as it bent inwards, the loud crack of bone breaking echoed sickeningly down the hall.
Studying the etched lines of stress on the Nora's face, Liz's eyes flared incandescently as Tom stepped into view.
Blood ran down into his eyes in heavy rivulets as he cradled his arm, his gaze intent on her.
Time slowed to a crawl...
The light from a distant street lamp shone through a nearby window, casting the area in a sick yellow pall as actions hurried up their paces.
She sidestepped Tom's sweeping grasp, shrinking back instinctively.
How many bullets does it take to end Tom Keen? She would to damn well find out... just in case Francis wanted to know.
She lifted her weapon...
A bullet sliced through the air.
Liz glanced at her unfired weapon, astonishment on her face.
Tom grunted sharply, lurching into a stumbling fall at her side. He awkwardly caught himself, slamming hard into the textured surface of the wall.
Elizabeth exchanged oblique looks with an equally stunned Nora.
Tom grasped his thigh, lamely hobbling about a corner, disappearing into the dark recesses afforded him.
Taking a step to follow the asshole's path, something caught her arm, jarring her roughly, stopping her pursuit in its tracks.
Growling her rage, Liz turned, swinging her weapon about.
"No..." Nora gasped.
A strong hold grasped her wrist, stopping the momentum of her attack.
She sensed the looming figure approach, her hands tightening on her weapon but then... she smelled his scent.
That wondrous scent...
Red Reddington stood framed in the archway, stepping closer to take her into his protective sphere.
Liz startled as another man emerged just steps away, lifting his weapon.
Side stepping Elizabeth, Red placed himself front and center, firing twice.
The hired gun jerked back with the first hit, then gripped his throat in the second.
Red turned glancing at the others down the way as more men joined in the fray. None of the stocky shapes distinguishable in the grey mist of the darkened rooms.
He said not a word, ushering them quickly and quietly down a flight of waiting stairs.
Red spoke to Nora, "Stay here. We'll let you know when it's clear."
He turned to Elizabeth, "Remember the safe word?"
She nodded, ever so glad to know he was present and accounted for.
He closed the door behind them, locking it securely then walked to a panel which concealed a doorway.
Liz's mouth fell agape. Nora lit a lantern, the man's face bathed in the dim light, the planes of his features starkly set.
"Keep Nora safe." Red's tone washed over her like a soothing balm. His eyes held hers willfully. "I'll be back soon..."
"Wait–"
"I will," he repeated quietly, "...be back soon."
Swallowing the lump in her throat, Liz rolled to her toes, kissing the man. Red returned the fleeting hold... and then he was gone.
Nora jabbed buttons alongside the door facing, which elicited a series of sharp clicks. The sound of absolute silence ensued.
Liz looked absently about her surroundings... lost, her senses overloaded. "I... don't know this place."
"It's a safe room, Elizabeth. We're safe now." Nora's voice reassured and calmed.
"Why didn't I know about this... room?" she was incensed. "Why didn't anyone tell me?"
"In their defense," Nora offered a bottled water, "they only got it working a week or so ago." she smiled wanly. "Good timing too, I'd say."
"Working?" Liz wiped the sweat from her face, absently taking the bottle in her hands.
"They had to reset the door locks, get it supplied..." Nora rolled her hand as if to continue the thought.
"I should be out there helping..." Liz couldn't account for her unreasonable anger.
"We would just be in the way." another lantern lit.
Liz stood, blinking rapidly, taking in the reality which settled about her. "I...I'm a highly trained... capable–"
"I know you are." Nora soothed, gripping Liz's hand. "Which is why, I am very thankful you are in here with me."
Liz's shoulders eased slightly, her eyes softening on the woman. If Nora was blowing wind up her skirt... she wasn't sure.
What she knew with absolute certainty, regardless how much the guys prepared Nora for this eventuality... what she witnessed upstairs must have rattled the woman
Nora lifted a remote. Across the room, monitors came to life. One showed a sickly green hue. Elizabeth could make out Nora's apartment.
Another showed the crumped masses dotting her lawn on the side of the house. Still another looked into the dark interior of her living room.
Figures came and went. One disabling a prey who had been inching up from behind.
Liz held her breath. She still didn't know if it was one of Silas' men... or the other side.
They all wore black. They all moved in the same manner. Stealthy, stalking... hunting.
"We don't have power." she recalled.
"This room does, to an extent." Nora replied gently. "The cameras, I'm to understand, switch to the battery back-up in case of power failure."
Another figure inched about, then stealthily disappeared into the dark edges of the room.
Red was up there... Liz's heart pounded rapidly in her chest. She unconsciously searched for him, she realized.
She hadn't seen him. She would know him. It scared her, she wanted him here... safe.
"You've taken a nasty hit." Nora was approaching, holding a first-aid kit. "Are you hurt otherwise?"
Liz took inventory, "...Are you?"
"I gave birth without meds, it'll take more than a little scrawny youngin' belting me one to keep me down." Nora chuckled.
"I hope they catch that asshole!" her tone hardened. "I want to be there when they take him to task for how he's treated you."
If Red had his way, Tom wouldn't be breathing by night's end; Liz thought quietly to herself. Especially after Red got a look at her in the light.
"I'm sorry you had to be... involved in all this mess, Nora." Liz sat obediently, allowing the woman to tend to her face where Tom and the mercenary struck her.
"The boys trained me well and while I worry about them being out there in the mix..." the woman sighed, "I realize their abilities make me feel safe."
Liz grasped the woman's hand, squeezing it gently, "You are safe."
"But what about them?" Nora motioned to the screens.
"We can make them safer." Liz realized, pulling her phone free. She prayed Joe had followed protocol. That the man's phone was on silent.
Joe stood perched outside Nora's room. They had to enter, to sweep the place clean. But it wasn't clean.
Liz and Nora could see a man lurking in Nora's dining room, out of sight. Praying silently as she typed, she glanced up waiting anxiously. 'Dining room, to your right.'
She watched Joe glance down, checking his phone. She did not see Joe's responding grin but still; the man was a born skeptic.
"...Hudson." he called out into the silent darkness.
"That isn't the safe word." Liz shook her head at the man's antics. Or possibly... his reply to her, he got the message.
Red demanded her first weeks here after her attack, she establish a safe word with Silas and Joe. The system had not been implemented until this moment.
As Joe did just now, using the incorrect word, had circumstances been different and she hadn't seen the man, she would have known to stay put as... danger was present.
"I know," Nora nodded.
The intruder made no corresponding reply to Joe's inquiry. She could see the hostile tensing by degrees as the seconds ticked on.
Joe fired a rapid volley of silent but deadly bullets.
The man fell from out behind the hiding spot, laying quietly still.
Liz texted rapidly. There is someone in the upstairs dining room.'
Liz frowned when Joe edged back out of sight, before stepping back into view a moment later, fiddling with his ear. She quickly answered the phone when it rang.
"Friendly?" Joe whispered, "What can you see?"
Liz kept a running communication with the guy until he was safely at Red's side. She breathed a sigh of relief at the recognized figures standing beside the man.
Slowly but surely, back-up generators flicked to life casting certain areas in a very dim light, that grew as the power increased.
"I thought they disabled them?" Liz was confused but happy to see lights flash to life across the complex.
"There are several in the storage shed."
"...Red has back-up, back-up generators?" Liz asked, her tone droll.
"Of course he does, child." Nora acted like it was obvious the man would think of all contingencies.
Liz watched a large SUV pull through the silent streets along the outskirts of the property.
"Joe," she said, getting his attention in his earpiece, "I think the stragglers have left the building."
"Copy that." Joe replied. Red stepped forward, taking Joe's phone from unresisting hands, flicking it open.
"Fedora." his deep voice sent chills through her.
Liz beamed, her world falling back into place.
"I'm on my way." he said.
Liz grasped the phone to her chest, rushing for the door but pulled up short when she remembered–
"How do we get out of this place?" she sought Nora's help.
"We don't... until he gets here."
"Nora..." Liz whined pitifully.
"Take it up with the boss." Nora smirked playfully.
Liz sulked testily, "I thought you were on my side."
"I am," Nora soothed, "you just don't know it yet."
Liz waited impatiently until she saw Red approaching outside, visible on the monitor she watched. She fairly danced in place, needing desperately to touch the man.
Nora tittered softly behind her, gesturing to a side panel, "You just push that button there."
"Oh, Nora!" Liz tsked, wrinkling her nose, drawing an amused chuckle from the woman.
Liz was too happy to pout over the trick played on her as the sounds of the locks disengaging allowed the door to crack open enough for Red to grasp it and pull it wider.
Instantly wrapping her arms about his large frame, Liz's lips quickly found his. He returned the affection, pulling her up against him.
Red smiled against Lizzy's busy mouth when he heard the distinct sound of someone clearing her throat.
Lifting Lizzy slightly, he backed away, allowing Nora room to step past. Reluctantly he moved aside, breaking their connection.
"Medical is en route." he asked of Nora. "Do you need..."
"I'm fine." Nora said.
"What about me?" Liz pouted, disliking being left out of the equation.
Nora's mouth quivered with delight when Elizabeth sidled closer to her lover, demanding his attention.
"I already know you think you don't need medical... but you do." Red's eyes darkened, cupping her small bruised face in his hands. Tenderly stroking the injury.
"...I'm fin–"
"You're going to get looked at. That's final." Red admonished.
Nora chortled under her breath when the young woman's mouth fell into a deep pout... though she still clung to Red like a barnacle.
"Are you okay?" Liz gingerly touched his bandaged arm.
"That's not mine." he gestured to the blood spots.
"I figured as much," Liz rolled her eyes, "how is your arm? Did you strain it?"
"No, it's fine." he said. "Nora, pack a couple things." Red suggested. "We need to vacate."
The older woman turned without further ado, heading for her room.
"I'm not leaving!" Liz scowled darkly. "I will not let them push us from our–"
"It's just for a day or two." Red assured. "The power will be intermittent, and Kaplan needs the space."
Red absently listened to the chatter coming through the radio, turning the volume higher. As time passed, his brow furrowed with each moment.
"We've located him, boss." Joe's voice sounded more serious than Liz had ever heard. "Don't look good."
Liz stepped closer, "Who is it?"
Red's grim expression alerted her.
"Silas?" she tensed. "...Is it... Silas?!"
"Kaplan en route." Joe advised. "Eight minutes out."
Red held the woman's gaze steadily. Liz was on her way before he could think to stop her.
He caught up in the hall as she frantically searched them out. The lights dimmed, sputtered then faded to black, leaving them in the dark.
"Silas!" she called out, having no idea which way to go in the dark. "Silas!"
Red took her hand and in moments, which seemed forever to the woman... Francis stepped into view.
"Oh, you got her?" Francis said, having heard the woman's frantic yelling.
Red guided her forward, standing just behind her as she knelt beside her guard's side.
"Silas..." she gently touched his bloodied face, "...Silas, please wake up." her voice trembled with growing fear.
"He's out of it, boss." Joe shook his head.
Elizabeth gasped her shock as lights flashed on overhead. Several bodies lay all around but Elizabeth only noticed one.
Blood covered Silas' mid-section down to his boots. His face was ashen… and so very still.
"Red!" she sought help and guidance.
Reddington stooped beside her, his more experienced eyes examining and scrutinizing.
Silas didn't have eight minutes. He barely had two. The man was bleeding from two major wounds. One in particular bespoke of a serious problem.
Red bundled up a towel someone pushed into view... he pressed it hard against a gaping knife wound to Silas' abdomen. Dembe was miraculously there and Red felt better.
"The bullet here," Dembe was applying a tourniquet to the guards left leg, "... nicked an artery, I think."
Nodding glumly, Red guessed as much as he took in the sight of a growing puddle of blood surrounding his friends inert form.
It had taken them too damned long to secure the house. How long had Silas lay here... bleeding out?
Red lifted carefully composed eyes to an anxiously waiting Elizabeth.
Red stared down at his blood covered his hands, curling the strong fingers into tight fists. The tacky, tight sensation of half-dried blood was a sickeningly familiar one.
Lifting placid eyes to the ensuing chaos which fluctuated about him, he sought his friend and confidant. Silas lay still while Kaplan's medical team worked their magic over his prone body.
Red and Dembe applied every medical technique at their disposal, aside from a field transfusion, to keep Silas stabilized until help arrived... but in Red's opinion, what they gave wasn't damn near good enough.
Both were sweating and winded by the time Kaplan swept into view, demanding they clear the area and let her do her job.
The teams hurried and precise movement alerted Red; the situation was a serious one. Though, it was the certain phrases drifting upward that made it dire. Medical terms he had grown to know well over the course of his somewhat jaded life.
The controlled frenzy of activities were a blur around an all too still and quiet, Silas.
"You are not to blame, Raymond." Dembe's calming tone drew his attention.
"I should have known, Dembe." Red disagreed. "I fell for the oldest trick in the book, which was obviously a ploy to get me out of the house... I missed it." he finished grimly, his eyes still on his head guard.
"Perhaps," Dembe's voice remained even, "but circumstances would not have changed." he reminded. "In fact, they may have been more brutal had you been on the premises."
Red couldn't argue that point.
"They would have moved heaven and earth to get to you."
"And yet, they sent me away."
"We must focus on what comes next." Dembe pushed past Red's swirling thoughts. "What has passed... has passed."
Backing out of the way, Red took a centering breath, focusing on the situation as it was now.
Red nodded gratefully to his ever staunch ally, pulling his phone free. He waited impatiently for a reply and when it came; he was terse and to the point.
"We got hit." Red's icy tone clipped.
"Where's Elizabeth?" Antonio Crocetti's tone was brittle. "Is she–"
"No, no... Elizabeth's here, she's fine." Red assured hastily. Perhaps he should have started with that revelation.
He glanced at the woman in question across the room who was fidgeting nervously beside her confidant, her hands trembling over Silas' still form. She spoke to him from time to time; her face an etched mask of concern and fear.
Francis hovered beside Lizzy, pulling her up and out of the way as they wheeled a stretcher in alongside Silas.
"Is she injured?" Antonio breathed out raggedly. "Do you need medical–"
"No, she's..." Red's eyes hardened, seeing the dark print of a hand on her face, "a little roughed up, scared, but–"
"Where the fuck was Silas!" Antonio seethed, his thoughts assembling quickly once assured of Elizabeth's safety.
Red's jaw tightened painfully, "Silas did his job... admirably." his eyes fell on the man being loaded to a stretcher even as he spoke. "Tom had a–"
"Tom!" Antonio snapped. "How the hell did that lowlife get past your security!"
"He acquired assistance with the incursion." Red cricked his neck, grimacing.
"Who?" Antonio bit sharply.
In that one exclamation, Red sensed a deadly reckoning was upon the horizon for some unfortunate individual... or group of such.
Red rubbed his forehead wearily, "That is unknown at this time. Kaplan has possession of the bodies, perhaps she'll get something."
"Did you kill the bastard?" Antonio demanded a reply be forthcoming.
"...Not yet." Red's blood simmered over the failed attempt.
"We will find him," Antonio swore vengeance, "and when we do–"
"I need to talk to him." Red cut the man off but remembered to keep his tone respectful.
"That's not what I had planned for him." Antonio gritted his growing determination. "If you think you will to talk sense into him–"
"No," Red shook his head, "I believe Tom has involved people... of professional grade into the mix," he sighed, "and I need to know how to stop the damage he's precipitated."
Antonio recalled the night Elizabeth's guard, Kevin was killed. There was mention of her picture being passed around by the dregs of society. There was little doubt now who had perpetrated such an insult.
"What do I need to know about this...unfortunate person? That you have not told me?" Antonio enquired.
Keeping this contained was becoming... impossible. When this began, Red never envisioned the two most powerful men in the criminal underground would become attached to Elizabeth.
Plans for increased security and exit strategies ran rampant in Red's mind.
"Tom was badly injured," Red related Tom's condition.
"I will inform the usual medical teams to be on the lookout." Antonio replied stonily.
Red's eye twitched. "But that's not why I called." he said, getting back on track. "I need somewhere secure for a couple days, not connected to me or–"
"You have it." Antonio mentally began working on the logistics of the task. "I will have accommodations that will suit you and your men sent momentarily."
Red felt some tension he carried ease. "I owe you." which implied, he would repay the debt in spades.
"I will have Security increased by the time you arrive." Antonio sweetened the pot. "Now... let me talk to Elizabeth."
Stepping in behind Elizabeth, Red ran his hand soothingly down her back. Red's heart ached when the woman faced him, her eyes red and swollen. Gathering her close, he tenderly kissed her temple.
"Someone wants to talk to you." he held the phone aloft.
Liz frowned, but took the cell absently, "Yes?" she murmured tiredly.
"Sweetheart... are you all right?" Antonio's deep timbre washed soothingly over the woman.
Gripping the dark plastic in her hand, Liz's eyes glittered a sudden threat of tears. "Oh, Antonio..." she inhaled shakily, "no, I'm okay. But Silas..." she sucked in a ragged breath watching as they made exit preparations for the man in question.
Kaplan hung a unit of blood on the metal hook of the rolling mechanism.
"Now, you know Silas is strong and will be well cared for." Antonio soothed. "Do not worry, I'll make it all better."
"Yes, just hearing your voice has done that." she nodded that she believed the words he said.
"You must trust all will be well." Antonio stated quietly.
"I trust all you say, Antonio." she realized... she did.
Red's mouth pulled at the corner for such simple eloquence. He shook his head feeling quite useless right now. Only Antonio could make him feel like such a non-entity... and he realized... he didn't mind the fact one bit.
Often feeling inconsequential up against the likes of Antonio Crocetti, Francis grinned, understanding how Red felt.
"Reddington told me you were hurt." Antonio's voice hardened.
Liz tenderly touched her cheek, gingerly testing the soreness of the growing bruise. "They hit like girls."
"I want to see you." Antonio chuckled for the wit displayed but soon enough grew serious again. "See for myself that you're all right."
Liz's lips quivered, stealing Red's breath away. "Yes, yes, I want to see you too." she needed that.
"I will see you shortly, little one." Antonio murmured affectionately. "Reddington will see to it."
"...Okay," Liz nodded emphatically, "thank you so much, Antonio." she gingerly closed the connection.
Red took the phone just as it vibrated. He checked the screen, receiving an address for their safe house. He gave the address to Amir.
"As soon as he's safe for transport..." he nodded toward his head guard as the medical team secured the doors of the van.
Dembe and Francis immediately blocked sight of the medical team who had begun CPR on Silas... again.
Red discretely turned Liz away before she could see what was occurring.
His own arms ached remembering, just a short time ago, when the bastard's heart stopped... he and Dembe were forced to perform the very same function.
They were able to establish a rhythm just moments before Kate rushed through the door. Red quelled the rising urge to assist once again, but knew he'd only be in the way.
"I want to go with him." Liz protested. "He would be there for me if–" she could see Silas inside the vehicle. He looked so... alone.
"Silas can't rest unless he knows you're secure." Red vetoed the notion, battling his own demons. "Besides, Antonio is expecting your arrival." he willingly used Lizzy's vulnerabilities against her. "Remember?"
Liz peered around his shoulder, her eyes resting anxiously on her friend. To Red's relief, the large vehicle pulled away with due haste before she could decide.
"...This doesn't feel right." Liz was visibly torn. "I want to know what's going on." she was getting upset again. "We need to be there to... will they give us updates?"
"They will do whatever I tell them to." Red vowed.
Nodding dejectedly, Liz's shoulders slumped as though the weight of the world was on them. "...I should be there with him." she lifted tear-stained eyes.
Red's heart ached for the woman. "I know, baby... Silas knows that, don't think he doesn't." he soothed.
"He's alone, Red." her voice broke. "Silas has no one but us."
"You saw who I sent with him." Red half-scolded. "Those men would lay down and die for Silas, you know that. Kate will also be there."
Liz felt some tension ease, knowing the guys would be with Silas. And yes, she knew what Red said was true. Silas elicited that kind of loyalty.
It still didn't feel right she wasn't there for the man.
"I know it goes against your instincts, not being there." Red felt along similar lines, truthfully. "But we'll only be in the way if we went. Plus," he gently stroked her injured cheek, "it's easier to protect one person than two."
Liz reluctantly saw the logic of the argument finally.
While Red wanted Lizzy treated, he knew her wounds were superficial. "We can take care of this," he leaned, kissing her visibly bruising cheek line, "when we get to Antonio's."
"Where's Nora?" Liz had seen the woman seconds before, her senses overly stimulated. That fear laced her enquiry, she whipped her head about frantically.
"She's with Ben and Francis." Red steered her in the right direction.
Liz relaxed with an expelled breath and closed her eyes, "Oh, thank God."
The two men in question sensed they were the center of attention having caught the interplay between Red and Liz.
Francis solicitously ushered the older woman into the back of a car before both men crossed the chaotic area, coming to stand alongside Red Reddington.
"Now what?" Francis tossed his hands out at his sides.
"We get to Antonio's. Let's get moving." Red interrupted what he was certain would turn into an all-out war. "We got things to do."
"I don't know about this, Red." Liz said, eyeing the large building looming before them. "If we're found, people could get hurt."
Red frowned, not understanding the reference. Joe pulled slowly up the long drive. Red craned his neck, taking in the elegant brick façade.
"There are other tenants, right?" she addressed the four story structure Joe now parked beside.
"Oh, no," Red shook his head, finally getting the gist of the reserve she offered, settling Lizzy's nerves, "Antonio converted this to a single-family dwelling a couple years ago."
She looked about, scowling, "Silas isn't here?"
"He's at a secure sight." Red soothed. "Kate will send him here to recuperate."
Red sincerely hoped he wasn't lying. The last text Kaplan sent said they found a bleeder in Silas' abdomen and were working on getting it closed.
The man had traversed the Amazon for two days with a bullet lodged in his rib-cage, bitching the entire time. Red couldn't imagine something so small in nature as a bleed would take down a man like Silas.
Joe and David stepped from the vehicle, making a cursory sweep of their surroundings. A group of men came from the East and West sides of the house.
They all dressed in the same black military garb, sending Liz's body into tense over-drive. The men stalked forward, eyeing her guards rather belligerently to her way of thinking.
"It's all right," Red patted her hand, sensing the reason for her stressed condition, "just Antonio's security."
A man with salt and pepper hair greeted Joe, shaking his hand in a reassuring grip. The guy's muscled arms pulled at the button up he wore, his pants tight about the thighs. His countenance very much reminded Elizabeth of Silas.ྭ
Except, this man's hair was shorter, his handsome face didn't carry as many laugh lines and his arms were covered in tattoos.
Joe spoke for a brief interval before returning to give the 'all-clear' sign.
Liz hesitated all the same, studiously studying Silas' counterpart. He appeared relaxed and casual, though there was a panther like motion to his movement. As if he was ready to spring into action at any moment. The man in question pulled a cigarette from his mouth, stubbing the butt on his boot.
Joe gestured to the car, the guy moved forward, his gait purposeful. Opening the back door, he waved the woman to vacate.
Red waited patiently for her decision, standing outside the vehicle.
"He won't bite." Joe smiled, sensing her hesitation.
Liz appreciated the man's attempt at levity, but clearly saw the stress lines around his mouth. Joe was just as stressed about Silas as she was.
It all sort of hit her then...Liz sat back, unable to move for a long beat.
"My God... what a night." she absently glanced about her surroundings, and then down at her own body. It was sort of... surreal.
She hadn't taken the time to change. She was going to meet a very influential individual and didn't even know what the hell she looked.
She recalled a hasty glance in the bathroom mirror while they were packing up... all she saw was Silas' white, pasty face staring back.
She had hurried along.
The man outside the car reminded her so much of... Liz swallowed the threat of tears, closing her eyes hastily.
No! She wouldn't do that! She refused to think bad thoughts.
Red wavered. He witnessed the moment. His instincts were to... help her through whatever.
But Liz straightened her form and lifted her chin. She slid from the confines of the car taking his pre-offered hand.
Introductions were being carried out. Ben and Francis greeted the Head of Antonio's Security casually. The banter was light and breezy... as always.
She could feel those carefully neutral eyes on her face all the while, however. She stood to her full height beside Red, releasing his hand.
She forced a smile, "Hello," she nodded gravely, "I'm sorry for this intrusion. I hope it doesn't cause too much trouble for you and your men."
Red lifted his head, pride showing in his eyes. The same eyes that watched all taking place with subdued quietness now.
"This is Granger, Elizabeth." Joe motioned.
The imposing man nodded minutely. "No trouble."
He quirked his mouth in what Liz was sure was meant to be a smile. It failed the test however.
"You have a problem with us being here?" Red was never one to mince words.
Granger shifted a careful stare. "I always have a problem with the unexpected." there wasn't any hint of anger or belligerence in the man's tone. "It makes my job more difficult."
"Isn't that why you get the big bucks?" Francis hadn't liked the reply. "Do your job..."
Granger took no offense, "I will... he asked a question, I answered it. That's all."
"My guard is the same way." Liz headed off any bad feelings, she hoped. "Silas is–"
"Absent." Granger seemed to only realize. He searched the faces about him settling on Elizabeth's despondent one.
"He was... hurt but he'll be fine." she hastened quickly... too quickly, she knew. She bolstered her flagging spirits. "He's too mean to, uh... to be really, really... hurt. I mean beyond..."
Granger's entire stance softened to Red's amazement.
"He's fine! He'll be just... fine!" she forced a smile.
"Well, you're probably right about that." the man shrugged. "His hide is tougher than a Nile crocodile."
Guiding Elizabeth forward, Red's eyes had not lost any of the coolness as they met Granger's.
The individual held the unwavering stare until Elizabeth forced Red to turn his attention.
"Oh, Red, look!" she entered the foyer of the towering old building.
Her eyes swept the gorgeous and spacious foyer. Liz gaped at her surroundings, her eyes full of awe and wonder. She had not expected this from a man such as Antonio Crocetti.
She expected rich tones and antique furniture... a more manly atmosphere.
Intricate brocade chairs in light hue, delicate side tables of white ash and large slabs of marble greeted and welcomed any guest into the grand home. Liz felt instantly comforted here by the warm tones and homely ambiance.
"Elizabeth..." Antonio's rolling timber broke Liz of her musings.
Turning, she took in the man before her, his stately presence offering comfort and a certain sense of joy. Hesitating, her body and mind rebelled against the stress she had been under all evening.
Antonio's arms opened wide, a welcoming harbor in the sea of turmoil that kept attempting to pull her under.
Elizabeth crumbled. Her face fell instantly, tears streaming down her cheeks as she rushed for the man.
She didn't know what came over her. She knew she should feel embarrassed, but as Antonio tucked her into his secure hold, cooing sympathetically in her ear... Liz finally felt it safe to open the floodgates.
Antonio swayed the girl gently, tucking her head under the crook of his chin.
"It's all right, little one." Antonio soothed as Elizabeth cried into his shoulder.
All her anxiety... all her fears came pouring out. "Silas is hurt... so badly!"
Any other time, Red might be jealous that Elizabeth found solace with another man. But this was not any other time. Nor... any other man.
He too, found solace in Antonio's presence and companionship. The man understood how the world operated and oft times, centered Red's thinking... especially when it came to Elizabeth.
It only made sense, Lizzy would find comfort in that presence as well.
Red watched Antonio's large hand cradle her small head in his hold, murmuring to her as if calming an infant...
The attachment between the two, the dynamic, became clear.
He knew Antonio always wished for a little girl to pamper and spoil. He told Red, if only for Maria's sake. Women needed other women.
But as he watched Antonio dote on Elizabeth, it was very clear, the older man wished it also for himself. Perhaps he had found a worthy substitute in Elizabeth.
And Elizabeth... perhaps found a much-needed father-figure. Seeing them together in this time of turmoil, it was unmistakable.
The adrenaline that had been coursing through the woman since Red secured Elizabeth during the skirmish... began to ebb, finally.
The events of this evening, wound her tighter than a guitar string, but just moments in Antonio's calming embrace... her eyes grew heavy, and she relaxed into that all-encompassing presence.
"That's my girl," Antonio pet her long hair, drawing back to stare down at her. "Let me look at you."
Liz lifted her tear-stained face from the man's chest, obediently looking up at the man, allowing the gentle scrutiny.
Though the older man smiled benevolently down to a reticent Lizzy, it was made abundantly clear to Red... how very displeased Antonio was by the physical state of the woman.
He gently traced the darkening bruise, tilting her face towards the light before tenderly kissing the soft flesh. He shook whatever demons plagued him, forcing a lightness.
"You must be famished." he said with a smile. "Perhaps in need of refreshment?"
"It's late," Liz begged off, "we have imposed enough–"
"Why don't you and Nora," Antonio interrupted kindly, including the newly arrived individual in the gracious gesture, "follow Matthew here." he gestured to a man standing off to the side. "Please allow me to make you feel welcome."
"Matthew, I can help if..." Nora immediately offered.
"Nora, I think," Red stepped forward, guiding the woman towards Matthew, "you are well due a night off."
"Consider this your new home." Antonio continued. "Matthew?"
Matthew smiled kindly, guiding them towards a set of stairs. "I will show you to your rooms." he ushered them up the steps, smiling back at them. "There is a buffet set-up in the dining room when you are refreshed."
"That sounds heavenly." Nora replied when Liz hesitated.
"What about...Silas?" she fretted.
Nora put a reassuring arm around the woman, but both looked at Red expectantly... waiting.
"I haven't heard anything concrete since our arrival, Lizzy." Red told the truth.
The woman wrung her hands anxiously, the blue eyes wide and lost.
Antonio lifted a brow signifying... the woman is unhappy, make her happy.
"I'll just..." Red lifted his phone, "give Kaplan a call then."
Liz relaxed. Nora smiled... Antonio didn't seem all that affected one way or other.
Red listened attentively for a long beat having to wait for Kaplan to come on the line.
After a slight berating, for the woman had pointedly reminded, if any updated information was available, she would pass it on. Red patiently explained his predicament, hoping Kate would pick up on the ever so subtle hints he was conveying.
"Between a rock and a hard place, hmm?" Red breathed easier when the gist of his dilemma was understood. "I want to keep him here overnight... for observation." was the expected but unwelcome news.
"Is that absolutely necessary?" he rubbed weary eyes. "Kate, we're all a little up in the air here..."
The silence was telling. Kaplan thought Red was making decisions based on what was best for Elizabeth, not her current patient.
Red altered his approach, "We can have anything you need set up here... anything at all. I'll spare no expense, you know that, but if you really think Silas will be– "
"Oh, cut the crap." Kaplan snapped. "All right, but you tell Antonio to get me a room ready as well. I will be staying close for a while."
Red wanted to ask of Silas' real condition but with all the ears listening, least of all, Elizabeth's...
"Then we can expect you soon?" he found the proper phrasing.
Kate gave an ETA which Red relayed promptly.
"And his prognosis?" Antonio asked in Elizabeth's lieu, knowing the girl would hesitate to ask anything of Kate Kaplan.
Kate could be very intimidating. Antonio wasn't intimidated.
"He's lost a lot of blood."
"We know that much." Red said tightly.
"Tell your girl-friend... cautiously optimistic."
Red remained silent, having hoped for more.
"He made it through the operation. I didn't expect that." Kaplan was oft-times too blunt.
Red kept his face carefully composed sensing Elizabeth's eyes more than the others.
"The next few hours will be–"
"I know." Red did. Really, the next twenty-four hours were critical. So many complications could arise. Infections, further bleeding...
"You know how strong that asshole is... and how stubborn." Kate's tone softened. "Let's keep our fingers crossed, hmm."
"I'll pass it on." Red stated stonily. "That you, Kate... for all you do." Kate signed off with no further word.
Red relayed some of what was exchanged, sans the scary parts which he softened considerably.
Antonio read between the lines but everyone else appeared singularly happy to hear the news.
"Oh, thank the Lord." Nora quickly crossed herself.
Francis and Ben breathed a collective sigh of relief, "Knew the shithead would come through just fine."
Liz seemed apprehensive though. "Is that all she said, Red?"
"All right now," Antonio stepped in, "you won't be any good to Silas if you are physically and mentally exhausted."
"You've had a very traumatic time of it, angel." Nora reminded. "If Silas is coming home, we should be ready to take care of him, right?"
Liz could find no objection to the words, "Well... I suppose that's right but–"
"We'll just go freshen up and leave the men to their business." Nora took control, guiding Liz gently.
The room fell silent after the women's departure.
Francis sought Ben, telling glances passed, emotions shared. The tension was thick, to say the least.
Antonio said nothing, merely stared stonily at Red Reddington.
Red felt very much like the proverbial student standing before a much respected Professor he had displeased. He shook the notion determinedly.
"It's my fault." Francis knew Red would wither and die on the spot he stood before speaking first. Antonio was worse, having lived the scenario countless times in his long jaded career. Neither man would budge an inch.
"Although, in hindsight, we should have guessed it was a diversion to get Red out of–"
"Yes," Antonio still stared directly at Red, "...you should have."
"And if it were Maria?" Red lifted cool eyes.
"Do you have any idea just how many times in my life it has been Maria?" Antonio asked all-too-quietly. "Learn to delegate! I always... always stayed by her side. You should have sent someone to check out the problem."
Red had no answers to the not-so-veiled accusation because... in hindsight, it proved the older man was one hundred percent correct in his stout advice.
"Well... there were these pictures," Francis grimaced, "kinda private ones. I don't think Red would have liked just anyone seeing them but him."
"In other words," Antonio put it more succinctly, "you allowed your personal feelings to override your judgement."
Red drew in a long breath. It had been a very long day, and it was getting progressively longer by the minute. Again... what could he say? The accusation was spot on.
"Did that decision work to your advantage?" Antonio asked, his tone slightly altered now, however.
"I don't think us being there made all that much difference." Francis wasn't arguing, simply rethinking any decisions made. "Silas and his men are more than capable."
"Do you agree with that assumption?" Antonio asked.
"No." Red stated grimly. "No matter how capable Silas and his men are... I took two of my best with me. It was a stupid thing to do."
Antonio nodded. Lesson ended. "Tell me about these... pictures. How did you come by them?"
Francis relayed the tale concerning the Brownstone, that it was now in his possession but had formally belonged to Elizabeth... and Tom's part in the whole matter. He mentioned the note as well and its contents.
"He threatened to kill you?" the idea seemed to amuse the older man.
Red shrugged the issue away.
"You had an opportunity to return the favor tonight?"
Francis and Ben looked to Red. The question a valid one in their books as well.
"I couldn't take the shot." Red explained. "Elizabeth was in the line of fire."
All three men nodded simultaneously. The matter now cleared up.
"And Silas?" Antonio was curious, though not accusatory.
"We haven't got the full story as yet." Francis took over the narrative again.
"It was hairy... lots of things coming down at once." Ben agreed. "We were being hit from all sides. Chaos reigned. You know how it can be."
Antonio did.
"Silas is a lot of things," Granger stood silent through the talk but spoke up now, "but derelict in his duty?" he shook his head minutely. "No, not in this life and if you say I said as much... I'll call you liars to your faces."
Red's estimation of the guy rose a tad, but he hid it well. He still hadn't forgiven or forgotten Granger's earlier treatment of Elizabeth.
"Now that Elizabeth is not here, what did Kate say, truly?" Antonio brought matters back on track.
"Silas is holding his own. He's in and out of it." Red readily relayed. "Kate's worried because he's not complaining. It's not his way. The possibility of infection–"
"I know." Antonio nodded his understanding.
"I thought he was..." the new development bothered Francis.
Ben was confused, "You said–"
"What did you want me to say with Lizzy standing there hanging on my every word." Red snapped.
"You lied to Lizzy?" Francis was so confused about many things. "Silas... he's not all right?"
"I did not lie to Lizzy!" Red snarled. "There was no need to worry her. Silas will be... fine." he realized how hollow such words were. "We've been through worse."
Antonio offered over a brandy, "We will all keep good thoughts. I would advise a prayer or two."
Granger never understood why men such as Antonio Crocetti... or his constituents, always thought God would even bother to hear their prayers.
He was Agnostic himself. He had seen too many things in life to dismiss an all powerful being outright but mostly the world was a crap shoot. A cesspool filled with few who deserved such a deity's attention or benevolence.
Himself included.
Red finished his drink, grateful for the slight kick it provided.
"If you'll excuse me, gentlemen," Red nodded graciously, "I believe I'll clean up as well."